DEQ’s Materials Management Workforce Development grants for repair and reuse businesses are accepting applications now through May 8th. Grants will support repair and reuse activities.  DEQ is seeking proposals for projects that will extend the lifespan of products and materials already in circulation through reuse, repair, salvaging, refurbishment or remanufacturing (together referred to as “reuse and repair”).

The total amount of funding available in 2020 is approximately $80,000. Applicants may apply for up to $10,000 per grant. Grant application forms and instructions will be on our website, and all completed applications will be due Friday, May 8. Small businesses and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. To be eligible for funding, the applicant must demonstrate (to the best of their ability) that:

• The funding will result in an increase in reuse and/or repair of products or materials, thus extending the life of products or materials already in circulation, and
• The funding will result in new work for at least one person, and that work will be self-sustaining beyond the time period directly funded by the grant funds.

Examples of acceptable uses of these grant funds:

•         Partial covering of wages and benefits for a new hire (limited to a maximum of 50% of the hourly wage + benefit cost).
•         Provision of training for new employees (e.g. specific skills training, pre-apprenticeship courses).
•         Internal training - covering costs of staff time and training materials when existing staff dedicate time to training a new employee.
•         Capital equipment essential to the new position created – e.g. new repair machinery (a maximum of 50% of the grant funds may be used for capital equipment).

There will be an opportunity for the general public to ask questions about the application process during a webinar on Tuesday, April 7, from 10-11 a.m. There will also be a webinar to answer questions for Oregon's Tribal Governments on Tuesday, April 14 from 10-11 a.m. The conference-call line information is posted online, and a recording of the calls will be made available on the DEQ’s website.

If you have questions, please contact Marie Diodati at DEQ or by phone: 503-229-5446

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